Dentures in Nikol, Ahmedabad
A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth. A complete denture replaces all the teeth in an upper or lower jaw; a partial denture fills in around the teeth you still have. Dentures rest on the gums, so they are less invasive and quicker than implants, and they can also be stabilised by a small number of implants if movement is a problem.
Types of Denture
The main types are complete dentures, which replace all the teeth in one jaw; partial dentures, which fill gaps around remaining teeth; immediate dentures, provided at the time teeth are removed; and implant-stabilised dentures, which clip onto implants instead of resting loosely on the gum.
Complete dentures
Used when all the teeth in an upper or lower jaw are missing. An upper complete denture usually holds reasonably well because it covers the palate; a lower one has less surface to hold onto, which is why lower dentures more often feel unstable.
Partial dentures
Used when some natural teeth remain. The denture is designed to sit against and be supported by those teeth. Keeping the remaining teeth healthy is essential, because the design depends on them.
Immediate dentures
Provided at the time teeth are removed so you are not left without teeth. Gums change shape as they heal, so these usually need adjusting and later replacing or relining.
Implant-stabilised dentures
A small number of implants hold the denture in place. It may still be removable for cleaning, but it does not move while eating. For lower dentures this is often the change people notice most.
How Dentures Are Made
Dentures are built across several short appointments: impressions of the gums, records of how your jaws meet, a trial denture in wax that you can see and comment on before it is finalised, and then fitting followed by adjustment visits.
- 1Assessment of your gums, any remaining teeth and your existing denture if you have one.
- 2Impressions to record the shape of the gums and supporting tissues.
- 3Records of how your upper and lower jaws meet, and of tooth shade and size.
- 4A trial denture in wax, so appearance and fit can be checked and changed.
- 5Fitting the finished denture.
- 6Review appointments to adjust pressure points and comfort.
Adjusting to a New Denture
A new denture usually feels bulky at first, and eating and speaking take practice. Sore spots in the early weeks are common and are corrected by adjustment, not endured. Most people settle over a few weeks, and returning for adjustments is part of normal treatment rather than a sign of a problem.
Eating
Start with softer food cut into smaller pieces, and chew on both sides at once to keep the denture balanced. Harder and stickier foods can be reintroduced gradually.
Speaking
Certain sounds can feel awkward at first. Reading aloud at home is a genuinely effective way to speed the adjustment up.
Sore spots
Localised soreness usually means a small area needs easing. Do not try to adjust a denture yourself; a small change in the wrong place can ruin the fit.
Caring for Dentures
Clean dentures over a basin of water or a towel to avoid breakage, brush them daily with a denture brush and non-abrasive cleaner rather than ordinary toothpaste, and clean your gums, tongue and any remaining teeth separately. Leave dentures out overnight unless advised otherwise, and store them in water so they do not dry out.
- Rinse after eating and brush at least once a day.
- Use a denture brush and cleaner; abrasive toothpaste can scratch the surface.
- Clean your gums and tongue daily, and any remaining natural teeth thoroughly.
- Do not use very hot water, which can distort the denture.
- Attend reviews so fit, gum health and the remaining teeth can be checked.
Wearing dentures does not remove the need for dental check-ups. Gums and any remaining teeth still need examining, and the fit of a denture changes as the underlying ridge changes shape.
When a Denture Stops Fitting Properly
Bone and gum under a denture gradually change shape, so a denture that once fitted well can become loose over the years. Depending on how much has changed, the answer may be a reline to refit the base, an adjustment, a new denture, or implants to stabilise it.
- Reline — the fitting surface is refitted to the current shape of the ridge.
- Adjustment — small changes to relieve pressure or correct the bite.
- Replacement — a new denture when wear or shape change is substantial.
- Implant stabilisation — implants added so the existing or a new denture clips in.
Relying on adhesive to hold a denture that no longer fits tends to hide a problem rather than solve it. If you are using more adhesive than you used to, it is worth having the fit assessed.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions patients ask about this treatment. If yours is not here, send it to Dr. Vijay directly.
How long does it take to get used to dentures?
Commonly a few weeks for eating and speaking to feel more natural, with the first days being the most awkward. Adjustment visits during that period make a considerable difference.
Can I eat normally with dentures?
Most people manage a wide range of food, though bite force is generally lower than with natural teeth and very hard or sticky foods can be difficult. Building up gradually helps.
Should I take my dentures out at night?
Usually yes, unless you have been advised otherwise, because it gives the gums a rest. Store them in water so they do not dry out and distort.
Do dentures need adhesive?
A well-fitting denture often does not. Adhesive can help some people feel more confident, but needing increasing amounts usually indicates the fit should be reviewed.
Can dentures be made to look natural?
Yes. Tooth shade, size, shape and arrangement are all chosen, and the wax trial stage exists so you can see and change the appearance before the denture is finished.
Can I have implants later if I start with dentures?
Often yes, although bone under a long-worn denture may have reduced. An assessment with imaging will show what is possible.
Next step
Ask Dr. Vijay About Dentures
Tell us how many teeth are missing and whether you already wear a denture that is causing problems. Loose or uncomfortable dentures can often be improved.
V-Dent Dental Care, 108 Nest Infinity, Near Kanba Hospital, New Nikol, Ahmedabad.